The Friederike Fabritius Show

Exploring the Unconscious Mind with Professor Mark Solms

Friederike Fabritius and Professor Mark Solms, author of 'The Hidden Spring,' use their final conversation together to discuss the unconscious mind. They explain how 95% (or more!) of what your brain does is hidden from you, influencing decisions, memories, and perceptions in ways you aren't even aware of. Mark Solms shares a surprising experiment that reveals how subliminal messages can sway and shape the choices you make, and the practical ways to honor our unconscious in daily life. They finish their conversation by taking a look at AI, what it would mean to have a machine that is "conscious" and if that is a good or ethical thing to pursue. Tune in to rethink your understanding of your own mind and learn why trusting your gut might be smarter than you think.

00:00 Introduction to the Unconscious 00:23 Historical Context and Freud's Radical Idea 01:37 Subliminal Messaging and Tachistoscope Experiment 04:47 The Extent of Unconscious Processing 07:35 Practical Implications of Unconscious Dominance 10:10 Leveraging the Unconscious in Daily Life 13:19 Exploring Artificial Consciousness 18:39 Ethical Considerations and Conclusion

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Professor Mark Solms is Director of Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Cape Town. He is also Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the St Bartholomew's & Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and the American and South African Psychoanalytic Associations. He has received numerous honours and awards, including the Sigourney Prize. He has published 350 scientific papers, and eight books, the latest being The Hidden Spring (Norton, 2021). He is the authorized editor and translator of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the forthcoming Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (4 volumes).

Can you train your brain to make better decisions?

Friederike Fabritius and professor Mark Solms, author of 'The Hidden Spring,' discuss two eye-opening concepts you may not have heard about: the free energy principle and predictive processing theory. Solms explains what free energy is as it relates to the brain and our "system" elaborates on the brain's role as an efficient prediction machine. By reducing prediction errors, your brain can better meet your biological and emotional needs, which in turn ensures survival. Solms discusses the significance of updating our predictions based on past experiences, stating that memories are created in the past but they are for the future. If you want to understand why you make the decisions that you do, and why you might be stuck in patterns that don't serve you, this is the episode you need to listen to.

01:13 Understanding the Free Energy Principle

02:13 Predictive Processing and Memory

06:31 Practical Applications of Predictive Processing

09:01 Prioritising Emotional Needs

17:10 Exploration vs. Exploitation

19:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Professor Mark Solms is Director of Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Cape Town. He is also Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the St Bartholomew's & Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and the American and South African Psychoanalytic Associations. He has received numerous honours and awards, including the Sigourney Prize. He has published 350 scientific papers, and eight books, the latest being The Hidden Spring (Norton, 2021). He is the authorized editor and translator of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the forthcoming Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (4 volumes).

Exploring Consciousness and How It Happens

Friederike Fabritius welcomes Professor Mark Solms, author of "The Hidden Spring," for a discussion to answer this, and more. Mark explains the role of the reticular activating system (RAS) in generating human consciousness. It is a structure in the oldest part of our brain, the brainstem, and it plays an important role in consciousness, as well as our emotional state. Solms dives into how the RAS is not just a power source for wakefulness, but a generator of the raw feelings that form the essence of consciousness and how we experience the world.Key distinctions are made between human and animal consciousness, while practical advice on living a fulfilling life by prioritizing emotional well-being over cognitive achievements is also shared. This episode will be sure to leave you thinking about what it really means to be "awake" and the importance of feeling in your everyday life.

00:00 Introduction

00:43 Mark Solms' Journey into Neuroscience

02:33 Understanding the Reticular Activating System

08:38 Differences in Consciousness Between Animals and Humans

19:33 Implications for Everyday Life

22:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter

Professor Mark Solms is Director of Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Cape Town. He is also Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the St Bartholomew's & Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and the American and South African Psychoanalytic Associations. He has received numerous honours and awards, including the Sigourney Prize. He has published 350 scientific papers, and eight books, the latest being The Hidden Spring (Norton, 2021). He is the authorized editor and translator of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the forthcoming Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (4 volumes).

Achieve Peak Performance and Get Into Flow

Friederike Fabritius sits down with neurofeedback expert Penijean Gracefire for the fourth and final time to discuss the mechanisms behind achieving peak performance and getting into flow. Penijean shares the importance of identifying individual goals, rather than just painting "peak performance" with a broad brush. The pair explore what it means to be in flow, and the significance of building true expertise in today's AI-driven world. Penijean also shares her innovative approach to neurofeedback, focusing on connection, curiosity, and courage, and drives home the importance of tailoring brain training to specific activities and individual needs. Whether you're an athlete, executive, or creative professional, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing cognitive performance and maintaining mental well-being through advanced neurofeedback techniques.

00:18 Understanding Peak Performance 01:21 Achieving Flow State 03:15 The Role of Expertise in Flow 05:41 Enhancing Creativity and Brain Connectivity 08:19 Improving Processing Speed and Working Memory 15:54 Challenges in Neurofeedback 18:52 Final Thoughts

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Unlock Your Brain's Potential

Friederike Fabritius is once again joined by neurofeedback revolutionary, Penijean Gracefire. Today's conversation focuses on creating a deeper understanding of brain stimulation, exploring innovative protocols that Penijean designed to improve people's cognitive function right from the source. Discover how photobiomodulation can improve brain function, emotional balance, and cognitive performance by targeting specific brain wave frequencies. Learn about the importance of feedback in brain training and how it can be used to optimize mental flexibility, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether you're interested in improving focus, emotional regulation, or functional recovery, this science-filled episode will give you the insights needed to see just how useful brain-training can be.

00:00 Introduction to Neurofeedback with Penijean Gracefire 01:16 Exploring Brain Stimulation and Wearable Technology 01:37 Understanding Neurofeedback Protocols 03:45 The Importance of Feedback in Learning 05:04 Balancing Brain Waves for Optimal Performance 08:44 Personalizing Neurofeedback for Daily Life 14:45 Designing Effective Neurofeedback Protocols 22:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. Her educational background includes a clinical mental health license and board certification in both Neurofeedback and Quantitative EEG. As a qualified supervisor, she also serves as the co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce for the American Mental Health Counseling Association.

Penijean constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Her ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Penijean's passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.

Mastering cognitive control, adapting brainwaves, and optimizing flexibility.

Penijean Gracefire joins Friederike for the second time to discuss the practical applications and benefits of neurofeedback, focusing on innovative techniques such as z-score training. Penijean shares her personal experiences with brain training and the importance of cognitive flexibility. The discussion also tackles the diversity of thought within the field, agreeing that there is no "right" or "wrong" way of approach, and the concept of allostasis. Both Friederike and Penijean emphasize the importance of a more personalized, adaptable approach to neurofeedback when it comes to mental health and cognitive performance. If you're wanting to deepen your understanding on optimizing brain function, flexibility, and enhancing your overall well-being, this is the episode for you.

00:44 Personal Experiences with Brain Boosting Techniques 03:28 Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Flexibility 05:22 Exploring Z-Score Training 10:53 Understanding Allostasis vs. Homeostasis 18:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter.

Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. Her educational background includes a clinical mental health license and board certification in both Neurofeedback and Quantitative EEG. As a qualified supervisor, she also serves as the co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce for the American Mental Health Counseling Association.

Penijean constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Her ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Penijean's passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.

Neurofeedback from A (amplitude training) to Z (z-scores) with Penijean Gracefire.

Friederike Fabritius speaks with an innovative voice in the neurofeedback and neuroscience space, Penijean Gracefire. Penijean is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. The pair discuss the real-world applications for neurofeedback, specifically when it comes to working with mental health challenges. Penijean highlights the importance of accurate data collection from brain activity and how it provides valuable insights for personalized mental health treatment. She explains how brain mapping (QEEG) and neurofeedback can help individuals improve cognitive performance and emotional well-being. The conversation reveals advancements in EEG technology and the shifts that have happened over the last few decades. Listeners will learn more about how EEGs work, the benefits they can offer, and why it is important to look at each person as an individual when it comes to mental health support and treatment rather than just use the same standard approach.

00:00 Introduction 00:47 Penijean's Background and Approach to Neurofeedback 02:14 The Role of Biometrics in Mental Health 04:17 Personalized Neurofeedback Process 06:16 Understanding Brain Mapping and EEG 08:53 The Evolution of Neurofeedback Techniques 12:37 Future Discussions and Conclusion

Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter

Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. Her educational background includes a clinical mental health license and board certification in both Neurofeedback and Quantitative EEG. As a qualified supervisor, she also serves as the co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce for the American Mental Health Counseling Association.

Penijean constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Her ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Penijean's passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.

Is your political identity really a choice? Or is it shaped by your brain? Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Political Identity with Michael Long

In their third and final interview together, Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long discuss the sensitive topic of understanding political identities. A bigger and bigger wedge being driven between the political left and political right, and Friederike and Mike take a look at this from a neuroscientific and biological perspective. There is a surprising connection between brain chemistry and political inclinations which Mike explores in his first book, 'The Molecule of More.' He reveals that our hierarchy of personal values is influenced by our unique brain chemistry and that this is a driving factor in our political leanings. The pair examine the differences between people whose brains are more driven by dopamine (an anticipatory chemical) versus the so-called "here and now" chemicals and how that affects their priorities and political views. The conversation underscores the need for understanding and community cooperation rather than divisive political rhetoric. Listeners will be challenged to reconsider how they view politics and personal priorities. Note: This conversation does get personal.

00:24 Dopamine, Serotonin, and Political Inclination 01:56 The Hierarchy of Priorities in Politics 04:54 Dopamine vs. Here and Now Chemicals 08:21 Smartness and Political Behavior 10:43 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts 14:00 A Focus on Community

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Trained as a physicist, Michael Long is the author of the new book, Taming the Molecule of More, and co-author of the international bestseller, The Molecule of More, books that have changed the way the world talks about dopamine. A longtime lecturer at Georgetown University, Mike is also a produced playwright, an award-winning screenwriter, and a speechwriter. In addition, he delivers keynotes and seminars around the world on creativity, the craft of professional writing, and the neuroscience behind modern behavior. If you ask him what his career is, he'll tell you he's a "professional explainer." For more, visit MikeLongOnline.com or TamingTheMolecule.com.

Links: https://TamingTheMolecule.com https://www.tiktok.com/@tamingthemolecule https://www.lemon8-app.com/@evmariexo?region=us https://www.facebook.com/MoleculeOfMore

From Diet to Dopamine Detox: Rethinking Brain Health with Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long

In their second of three conversations, Friederike and Michael Long, bestselling author of The Molecule of More and its new follow-up, Taming the Molecule of More, take a look at practical strategies for managing dopamine. They answer questions such as: Is there a pill or supplement that can be taken to boost dopamine? And clarify common myths that people believe about its role in our brains and lives. The pair discuss the role of medications and the impact of GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, on dopamine, highlighting their potential in addressing compulsive behaviors and addiction. Michael also touches on the importance of gut health and its connection to dopamine, recommending prebiotics and probiotics. Finally, Michael and Friederike discuss what a "dopamine detox" would look like, and if it is something that is possible. They share practical advice on 'dopamine revitalization'—an alternative to extreme dopamine fasting, advocating for small, sustainable lifestyle changes.

00:33 The Myth of the Magic Dopamine Pill 1:44 Understanding Dopamine and Its Mechanisms 04:02 Exploring GLP-1s and Their Effects 09:57 The Role of Gut Health in Dopamine Regulation 12:44 Rethinking Dopamine Fasting 18:57 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter.

Trained as a physicist, Michael Long is the author of the new bookTaming the Molecule of More and co-author of the international bestseller The Molecule of More, books that have changed the way the world talks about dopamine. A longtime lecturer at Georgetown University, Mike is also a produced playwright, an award-winning screenwriter, and a speechwriter. In addition, he delivers keynotes and seminars around the world on creativity, the craft of professional writing, and the neuroscience behind modern behavior. If you ask him what his career is, he'll tell you he's a "professional explainer." For more, visit MikeLongOnline.com or TamingTheMolecule.com.

Links: https://TamingTheMolecule.com https://www.tiktok.com/@tamingthemolecule https://www.lemon8-app.com/@evmariexo?region=us https://www.facebook.com/MoleculeOfMore

Dopamine makes you happy…..right?

In the first of three episodes together, Friederike interviews Michael Long, author of the new book, Taming the Molecule of More, and co-author of the international bestseller, The Molecule of More. Michael discusses how his varied career paths led him to explore the role of dopamine in human behavior. He clarifies common misconceptions about dopamine, emphasizing it's not the 'molecule of happiness,' but rather the 'molecule of more,' and its role in driving anticipation and desire. The pair explain how balance is key to managing one's dopamine levels and the risks that can arise if this isn't considered. Michael explains the two primary dopamine networks in the brain: the desire circuit and the control circuit, and how these influence behavior. Friederike and Michael share practical tips for living a more balanced and satisfying life, as well as advice on how to make more thoughtful choices and to ultimately live a life with more meaning.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:54 Michael's Background and Dopamine Research 01:44 Understanding "The Molecule of More" 02:48 Practical Tips for Managing Dopamine 08:53 Exploring Dopamine Networks 12:16 Leading a More Balanced Life 16:14 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Trained as a physicist, Michael Long is the author of the new bookTaming the Molecule of More and co-author of the international bestseller The Molecule of More, books that have changed the way the world talks about dopamine. A longtime lecturer at Georgetown University, Mike is also a produced playwright, an award-winning screenwriter, and a speechwriter. In addition, he delivers keynotes and seminars around the world on creativity, the craft of professional writing, and the neuroscience behind modern behavior. If you ask him what his career is, he'll tell you he's a "professional explainer." For more, visit MikeLongOnline.com or TamingTheMolecule.com.

Links:

https://TamingTheMolecule.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@tamingthemolecule

https://www.lemon8-app.com/@evmariexo?region=us

https://www.facebook.com/MoleculeOfMore

Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter.